Knowing When to Seek Treatment

When to seek treatment:

Knowing when to seek treatment for mental health disorders is important for parents and families. Many times, families, spouses, or friends are the first to suspect that their loved one is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited to, problems with relationships with friends and/or family members, work, school, sleeping, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, coping, attentiveness, and responsiveness. It is also important to know that persons of different ages will exhibit different symptoms and behaviors. Familiarizing yourself with the common maladaptive behaviors of children, adolescents, and adults will often help to identify any problems early, in their most treatable state. It is important for families who suspect a problem in one, or more, of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for mental health disorders is available.

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in a young child?

The following are the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental problem in the younger child, which necessitates a psychiatric evaluation. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

significant decline in school performance or poor grades (even though the child studies and tries hard to succeed)

continuous or frequent aggression or "acting out" (for periods longer than six months)

continuous or frequent rebellion; opposition to authority and direction (for periods longer than six months)

refusal to attend school on a regular or frequent basis

refusal to take part in school and/or family activities

excessive worry and/or anxiety

excessive, regular temper tantrums (without explanation)

The symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental problem may resemble other conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in an adolescent?

The following are the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental problem in the older, adolescent child, which necessitates a psychiatric evaluation. However, each adolescent may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

significant decline in school performance or poor grades (even though the adolescent studies and tries hard to succeed)

continuous or frequent aggression or "acting out" (for periods longer than six months)

continuous or frequent rebellion; opposition to authority and direction (for periods longer than six months)

continuous or frequent anger (for periods longer than six months)

skipping school

refusal to take part in school, family, sport, and/or social activities

excessive worry and/or anxiety

self-injurious behaviors

threats to self or others

thoughts of death

thoughts and/or talk of suicide

running away or threatening to run away

destructive behaviors (i.e., vandalism, criminal activity)

sexually "acting out"

lying and/or cheating

many physical complaints

The symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental problem may resemble other conditions. Always consult your adolescent's physician for a diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in an adult?

The following are the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental problem in an adult, which necessitates a psychiatric evaluation. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

significant decline in work performance, poor work attendance, and/or lack of productivity